Dancing On Ice will welcome four new professional skaters when the show returns next year, ITV bosses have confirmed.
In a further shake-up to the cast, two more pros will make a comeback after a one-year absence, whilst another is departing after 15 years having appeared in every series since the programme’s 2006 inception.
As it stands, the 2024 edition of the show is due to be presented by Stephen Mulhern and Holly Willoughby. The latter’s involvement remains in doubt, however, following her decision to quit This Morning.
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As expected, skaters Vanessa Bauer, Colin Grafton, Mark Hanretty, Brendyn Hatfield, Sylvain Longchambon and Tippy Packard are all returning for the 16th series, which is likely to commence in January.
(Image: Joshua Sammer/Getty Images)
After a one-year break, meanwhile, Andy Buchanan and Robin Johnstone will be back on the ice having both made their debuts on the show in 2013. Joining them is new pro, Amani Fancy, who is a two-time British national champion and has previously appeared on the German version of the programme.
Vanessa James also joins the cast – a six-time French national champion who represented Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympic games. Alongside Amani and Vanessa will be Annette Dytrt – a former German and Czech national champion, who has also appeared on the German carnation of the show.
Completing the list of newcomers is Simon Senecal – a former Armenian national champion and Winter Olympian. Elsewhere Karen Barber and Daniel Whiston also return as Head Coach and Creative Director respectively.
Fans will be disappointed to learn, however, that Matt Evers’ time on the show has come to an end. The 47-year old is hanging up his skates after 15 years, with fellow pro regulars Alexandra Schauman and Łukasz Różycki taking a break from the forthcoming series.
(Image: ITV)
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Announcing his departure to the Sun at the weekend, Matt said: “I have some news to share. I knew this day would come at some point but I won’t be returning to Dancing on Ice this series. After 15 series of the show it was sadly time to hang up the skates for now. I have loved every minute of it (honestly!).
“I’ve had some incredible partners over the years and we have created some fantastic TV moments! I mean who can forget that fall from Gemma, or the wardrobe malfunction from Pamela! I’ll miss each and everyone on the show, in front and behind the camera – and all of you the fans too. But of course I’ll be watching and commenting – which I can now be totally 100 per cent honest about so watch out – haha!”
Dancing on Ice is back on ITV1, STV and ITVX in 2024.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
